Lviv Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office Has Launched a Department Dedicated to Supporting Victims and Witnesses

On 8 June 2026, on the initiative of the Office of the Prosecutor General, a department for the organisation of support for victims and witnesses was opened at the Lviv Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO). The department’s main mission is to ensure a comfortable environment during investigations – for survivors of various types of crime.

The Coordination Centre for Support of Victims and Witnesses of the Office of the Prosecutor General and regional departments of regional PPOs provide comprehensive support to those who have survived or witnessed crimes – both international crimes and those that are typical for national criminal justice system – domestic violence, sexual offences and crimes against children. In particular, they explain victims’ rights; provide legal advice; support them in their dealings with investigators and prosecutors; and facilitate access to psychological, medical and social support.

According to Oleksii Umanets, Deputy Head of the Lviv Regional PPO, the establishment of the department is an important step towards ensuring access to justice during the war.

“Restoring justice, holding the guilty to account and protecting those who need it most are our key priorities. Together with our partners, we are working to ensure high standards of investigation, where respect for human dignity and human rights are core values.”

The renovation of the premises was carried out with the support of the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (UNDP), while office equipment and supplies were provided by EU Project Pravo-Justice, implemented by Expertise France.

During the opening of the unit, Veronika Plotnikova, Head of the Coordination Centre for Support of Victims and Witnesses at the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, emphasised the importance of such spaces for supporting those who have survived or witnessed crimes.

“People affected by the war need comprehensive support. Specialised units for support of victims and witnesses are being set up to bring assistance to where it is needed most,” she said.

Olena Ursu, Democratic Governance Team Leader at UNDP in Ukraine, noted that during the war, the development of victim-centred justice has become a necessity.

“A sense of safety, respect for dignity and human rights are vital for the physical and psychological recovery of those who have survived traumatic events. UNDP in Ukraine, with the support of the Government of Japan and in collaboration with partners, has been working to ensure that such spaces of support and safety are brought closer to those who need them.”

According to Oksana Tsymbrivska, Team Leader of EU Project Pravo-Justice, supporting the development of a network of victim and witness support units contributes to the development of victim-centred justice – a system in which an individual is not left alone with their experience after a crime, but receives appropriate information, support, protection and guidance at all stages of interaction with law enforcement and judicial authorities.

“Today, this is not only a response to the challenges Ukraine faces in the context of war, but also a key element in fulfilling commitments within the framework of European integration. Progress towards European Union standards is measured not only by changes in legislation, but also by the extent to which people experience these changes in practice and trust the justice system. That is precisely why the development of the network of victim and witness support units is an example of how European standards and the principles of victim-centred justice are becoming a reality for the citizens of Ukraine today,” she emphasised.